A live Fukuoka Now current affairs conversation
Join Fukuoka Now for the third Kyushu Roundtable, an in-person discussion forum bringing international residents together to explore the issues shaping Fukuoka and the wider Kyushu region.
The previous Roundtable brought together residents from 21 different nationalities for a lively and thoughtful exchange. On April 24, we continue the series with another evening of Kyushu news, moderated discussion, and audience participation.
This month’s featured discussion asks: has the deal that brought people to Fukuoka started to change?
If you live or work in Fukuoka, this is a chance to hear how others are experiencing the same changes, and to share your own perspective.
Event Details
Date: April 24, 2026
Time: 18:30–20:00 (doors open 18:00)
Location: CIC Fukuoka, Tenjin
Language: English
Admission: Free (registration required)
Format: In-person only (no livestream)
Register now: Seating is limited to 45 participants.
Watch the video archive from Kyushu Roundtable #2
How the Roundtable Works
Each Kyushu Roundtable follows a simple structure designed to move from context to discussion and audience participation. The Roundtable is not a lecture, but a shared conversation.
- Part 1 – Kyushu News Flash
A quick roundup of recent news shaping the region, with short reactions from the panel followed by audience perspectives - Part 2 – The Main Story
Guest commentators explore the evening’s central theme through moderated discussion, followed by audience questions and input - Part 3 – Voices from the Room
Audience members raise their own questions, observations, or issues for discussion, with responses from the panel and others in the room. - Part 4 – After the Roundtable
Optional, but recommended. For those who want to continue the conversation, we’ll gather after the event at a casual food and drink spot in the same building.
Guest Commentators
Evan Kirby
Founder of Genki Japanese & Culture School
Samuel Cushman
MEXT Scholar, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Global Society, Kyushu University
Moderated by Nick Szasz
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Fukuoka Now
Commentators will open the discussion with brief perspectives, but the Roundtable is built around active audience participation. Questions and perspectives from the room help shape the conversation throughout the evening.
This Month’s Main Story
Kyushu Roundtable #3: Fukuoka — Has the Deal Changed?
Fukuoka is one of the few cities in Japan still growing. But as it grows, the experience of living and working here is starting to change. Costs are rising, the city is getting bigger, traffic’s getting worse, and daily life feels different. For some, it’s no longer the uniquely livable city it once was. But it continues to attract people. So is the deal really changing, or just evolving? What does that mean for people building their lives here?
Who Should Attend
The Roundtable works best when participants are comfortable contributing to a thoughtful English-language discussion.
- International professionals living or working in Kyushu
- Residents interested in the region’s economic and social future
- People who want to understand local issues beyond headlines
- Anyone who values informed and respectful conversation
Previous Roundtables
On February 20, 33 residents representing 18 nationalities joined the first Kyushu Roundtable at CIC Fukuoka. The second Roundtable in March grew to 45 participants from 21 nationalities. Read summaries and watch highlights from both events.
Register
Seating is limited to 45 participants. Advance registration is required. Register here